Theme: "Knowing your options and getting the job you want: career options beyond academia"
The 4th SWEEET was held on July 9, 2012 at the Joint Congress in Evolutionary Biology in Ottawa, Ontario. The symposium was attended by approximately 150 people of both genders, including professors, government scientists, post-doctoral fellows, and undergraduate and graduate students. It was headlined by several prominent and inspirational speakers (listed below) and followed by a mixer that encouraged networking and informal discussion of the topics raised. The theme was inspired by popular demand and the following articles:
Nature: "What is the future of the PhD?"
Scientists attaining a PhD gain entry to an academic elite — but it's not as elite as it once was
University Affairs: "PhD to what end?"
Philosophy grads from Canadian universities are at a disadvantage in landing tenure-track jobs
Nature: "What is the future of the PhD?"
Scientists attaining a PhD gain entry to an academic elite — but it's not as elite as it once was
University Affairs: "PhD to what end?"
Philosophy grads from Canadian universities are at a disadvantage in landing tenure-track jobs
Quotes from participants in 2012
“Wonderful timing - exactly what I needed for some inspiration and insight! Thank you.”
“It is always great to explore other options, network, and learn what is required to pursue non-traditional paths."
“It is always great to explore other options, network, and learn what is required to pursue non-traditional paths."
Invited Speakers
Dr. Suzanne Fortier (President, NSERC)
Dr. Fortier has served as the President of NSERC since January 2006. Previously, she held a number of senior research and administrative positions at Queen's University. She joined Queen's as a professor of crystallography in 1982. During her research career she specialized in the development of mathematical and artificial intelligence methods for protein structure determination. Dr. Fortier spoke about her career path, as well as addressing the role of NSERC in promoting the careers of women scientists.
Dr. Bronwyn Keatley (Senior Policy Advisor, Fisheries and Oceans Canada)
Dr. Keatley is a senior policy advisor at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, dealing with issues related to fish habitat. Her interests lie in the role of science in policy making. She holds a PhD from Queen's University where she focused on assessing environmental change in the Arctic using aquatic bioindicators. Prior to her present postition, Dr. Keatley held a postdoc at McGill. She has also worked for the federal government as both an environmental science advisor at Fisheries and Oceans Canada and a conservation biologist specializing in policy issues concerning polar bears at Environment Canada.
Dr. Lalita Acharya (Chief of Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Library of Parliament)
Dr. Acharya has worked for the Parliamentary Information and Research Service of the Library of Parliament since 2001, first as an analyst in the area of science policy, and since 2008 as Chief of the Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure section. Prior to joining the library, Dr. Acharya worked in program administration at NSERC. Dr. Acharya holds a PhD in Ecology from York University. She worked as a postdoctoral fellow at Université Laval.
Dr. Jennifer Carpenter (Freelance science journalist)
Dr. Carpenter is a freelance science journalist. She regularly contributes to BBC News and Science magazine, for the BBC World Service's weekly science show, and for CBC's Spark. Dr. Carpenter holds a PhD in evolutionary genetics from the University of Edinburgh. She also teaches at the University of Toronto.